Office of the President

Monuments, Naming and Recognition Task Force

The Monuments, Naming, and Recognition Task Force is established to provide Fresno State with a clear, consistent, and values-based framework for how the university approaches the naming, renaming, contextualization, and removal of campus monuments, spaces, and tributes.

This work is grounded in the university’s mission and its commitment to dignity, respect, learning, and community. It reflects the understanding that the symbols, names, and spaces across our campus communicate institutional values and shape how our community understands its history and identity.

Why This Work Matters

Campus spaces reflect the university's priorities and shape community experience. This effort ensures that Fresno State's recognitions align with our mission and Principles of Community, reflect an inclusive history, and encourage learning and thoughtful engagement with the past.

This work is grounded in several core principles:

  • Alignment with values: Decisions reflect Fresno State’s mission and community principles
  • Historical understanding: Changes should deepen understanding—not erase history
  • Thoughtful decision-making: Renaming or removal is considered carefully and deliberately
  • Context matters: Legacies are evaluated in a historical and contemporary context
  • Inclusive process: Community input and scholarship are essential
  • Expanding representation: Campus narratives should reflect diverse experiences and contributions

The Task Force is charged with: 

  • Developing guiding principles for how Fresno State evaluates monuments, namings, and tributes
  • Establishing a transparent and consistent process for future decisions
  • Recommending criteria for when contextualization, renaming, or removal may be appropriate
  • Identifying opportunities to more fully represent the diversity of experiences, contributions, and communities that shape Fresno State
  • Working in close coordination with the Peace Garden Committee on matters related to the Peace Garden

Members include: 

  • Dr. Amy Allen, Associate Dean for Student Involvement
  • Armen Bacon, University Advisory Board Representative
  • Victoria Cisneros, Marketing and Communications Strategist, Staff Representative
  • Janet Crum, Dean of the Library
  • Dr. Michael Eze, Assistant Professor of Africana Studies
  • Alya Hassan, President, Associated Students Inc.
  • Sarai Hernandez, Vice President of Finance, Associated Students Inc.
  • Dr. Veena Howard, Professor of Philosophy
  • Dr. Wannasarn (Saam) Noonsuk, Associate Professor of Art History
  • Dr. Tushar Patel, BAPS Outreach Volunteer
  • Jeff Prickett, Director Facilities Operations & Services
  • Dr. Blain Roberts, Chair of History
  • Dr. Victor Torres, Professor of Chicano and Latin American Studies
  • Danielle Young, Associate Vice President for Development and Comprehensive Campaign